This article is meant for coaches at all levels, especially youth, junior high, and junior varsity. If you have ever gotten frustrated with your man to man defense and decided to use zone because it was easier to implement, I had an experience early in my coaching career where being persistent with the fundamentals and […]
For The Frustrated Coaches That Turn to Zone Defense Read More »
On a page where we discuss defense at the youth & junior high level, I recently received these two questions from a junior high coach: Do you believe there is an age where it is appropriate to play a zone? Is there an age where you should start playing Win-Loss basketball? These are very
What Is The Right Age To Focus On Wins and Losses and Start Playing Zone? Read More »
If you have ever coached, you know that if the team doesn’t believe in what you’re trying to teach them, you’ll never be successful. You have to convince your team and SELL to your team the coaching tactics and philosophies that you are trying to incorporate. For example, I’m a big believer in rebounding and
Why It is Good to be a Salesman When Coaching Basketball Read More »
I hear so many coaches say, “My defensive help is great, but I can not seem to get my on-ball defenders to stay in front of their man.” I’m not going to lie. I’ve said this, too. Think about it. If your on-ball defense is below average that means your constantly playing the game 4 on
Are You Spending Enough Time on 1-on-1 Defense? Read More »
Want to get your player’s attention or find a useful way to handle large groups of kids at practice or camps? Having problems with kids messing around during practice? Check out the tips below. Many coaches struggle keeping their player’s attention throughout practice, especially at the youth level because they have really short attention spans
Four Great Ways To Keep Your Team’s Attention Read More »
One year I coached two teams, a 7th & 8th grade team (12 to 14 year olds) and a Fresh/Soph team (14 to 16 year olds). Besides, being a VERY busy year, it was also an extremely educational year from a coaching standpoint. I was frustrated from the year before when I coached 6th graders,
Should Youth Coaches AVOID Plays and Patterned Offenses? Read More »
One of my weaknesses as a person is that I can be a perfectionist and be a little too critical sometimes. This is something I have to be very aware of as a coach, because if you are too critical and always pointing out your players’ mistakes, they are going to lose confidence and play
How Do You Always Keep a Positive Attitude as a Coach? Read More »
In our recent teleseminar for the people who purchased the Motion Offense eBooks, there was a question that I really wanted to share. Here is an edited version of the question and answer between the listener and Don Kelbick. Guest: I’ve got a 6’9″ kid actually that’s going Division 1 next year. I want to
Motion Offense – Getting Post Player Touches Read More »
Back in college, I came back to my hometown for a Christmas break. I ran into one of my old high school coaches by the name of Casey Ditch and we were talking about youth basketball stuff. Then he said, “Man, I wish all they did with youth players was play 3-on-3. That’s all I
Could 3 on 3 Basketball Be the Best for Youth Players? Read More »
When I was in 9th grade, I developed into a pretty good shooter. Every shooting session, I would hit a hot streak and bury 10 to 15 three’s in a row. I think I made as many as 25 during one session. My shot was quick, but I had a very low release. My varsity
My Personal Experience With Tom Nordland’s Swish Method Read More »
